Mindful Photography

2020 has been rough for most of us. I personally have had surgery and several deaths of close family members. Not to mention the current pandemic that keeps all of us stressed out. Most of us don’t take time to relax. We’re so used to going quickly through life that we can pass something beautiful and not even notice it.

I find myself saying, “I need to go out with my camera.” Saying I “NEED TO” may sound strange, but I find my photography to be relaxing. I get lost in the process of taking an image. I take a mindful approach to my photography.

What does that mean? It means I go into a place I want to photograph and get lost in the environment. I notice my surrounding—every detail, from the sights to the sounds and smells AND I enjoy it. I appreciate the way the light dances around my scenery or how vibrant the colors are. I enjoy the sounds my feet make as I walk or the waves crashing along the shore, the sounds of the wind and wildlife. I love the smell of the salt in the air or a burning campfire. I notice the beauty.
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Then as I take time to set up my tripod, choose my composition and settings, I slow down. It all becomes meditative to me—going through the steps. I connect to my images. I’ve immersed myself in the environment and the photograph that I’m taking. Usually when I go out, I go with no plans or expectation from my time. I don’t have an agenda of certain images I want to make that stresses me out. I don’t worry so much about getting the perfect shot. I go out for the experience, enjoying the process.

By going into a place I want to photograph & getting lost in the environment, I don’t think about my troubles or worries. I stay focused on what’s around me and where I am. It benefits me tremendously, in dealing with stress, anxiety and depression.

If you’ve never slowed down and submerged yourself this way, I encourage you to try doing so. Whether you like photography or have a different hobby, try noticing your surroundings—truly living in the moment, and then fully engage yourself in your activity. See if it melts your troubles away (even if only temporarily). This approach to your hobby can become an escape from the problems you face and allow you to relax for a while.
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